Money Muse Monday Series Part 2: Tatiana Ligonde | “I Have to Keep Going And Stopping Is Not An Option.”

Happy Money Muse Monday Folks!! Today I will continue by sharing another inspirational story from a trailblazing woman that refuses to let money, (and the occasional lack thereof), get in her way. Please check out Part One featuring critically acclaimed Director, Ava Duvernay by clicking HERE. For more information on the series, be sure to click HERE.

Today I would like to introduce you to Tatiana Ligonde, owner of the handcrafted jewelry and accessories line Ilia by Tatiana Ilia. She is literally one of the most ambitious 24-year olds I have ever met. I decided to ask her (and the rest of the women in the series), 6 questions about them, their business, and some of their challenges. While the questions will be the same, the answers will vary based on each woman’s life and story.

 

 

 

1.  Tell us where you’re from and a little bit about yourself. 

Hey everyone! My name is Tatiana Ilia and I am a 24 year-old accessory and jewelry designer from Elmont, NY. In October 2011 I embarked on the greatest journey ever, staring my jewelry and accessory line, ilia by Tatiana Ilia. When I first began my company, I would have never thought that it would blossom the way that it has, but as the years go by I see bigger and better goals for myself and my line that I would like to accomplish.

 

 

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2. What was the burning-in-your belly goal that you have set out to achieve? 

There are so many goals that I have set for myself to achieve, personally and for my company, but for now let’s talk about my line. As of right now my biggest goal is to bring in at least 100K a year through my business so that I buy things like a house and maybe a nice car, but so that I can eventually support my business full-time. Like many of you, I have a pretty demanding full-time job that often has to take priority when it comes to choosing between my 9-5 and my line. Another goal that I have set for myself is to help those in need, which I am working on now by finding a new non-profit organization to work with.

 

 

 

3. What were, (and are), some of the financial challenges you came across while accomplishing this goal? How  have you addressed and conquered these challenges?

One thing that I have noticed is that financial challenges come across every day, but as most women do, we bend to work with the challenges and do not allow them to break us. When I first started my line I was a college student that worked part time, with not much money to start a business but I made it work by gradually buying items that I needed and putting some things on my credit card and gradually paying it off. Now, the items that I sell pay for my supplies and leave me with a little bit on the side, which is perfect for a small business. However, now that I want to grow my company I have to look at manufacturing fees, showroom fees, professional marketing and promotion fees, etc.

Since I do not have thousands of dollars to put towards these resources, I’ve decided to work with what I have given my budget! Social media is one of the greatest ways to push your business. Aside from my website, my social networks are constantly linking me with new customers around the world, and these customers are interested because of my product presentation. That is where the phrase “presentation is everything” comes into play! If you can’t afford a fancy photographer, get creative, take your own product shots, coordinate your own photo-shoots with your network of friends that like to model and learn how to edit those pictures! Luckily I took a few photography and Photoshop classes in the past, plus I had friends that helped me learn the ropes, but if you don’t have those resources use YouTube, it helps a lot more than you think. In the beginning all of this may seem very overwhelming and that $400 camera may seem pricey but trust me, it will save you so much more in the long run!
Also, since I can’t afford a manufacturer right now I just have to make that jewelry until I can afford one. Then I will gradually start to manufacture some items until I can organize my manufactured products and hand-made products the way I want to. Moreover, investors are something else that you can look into but I suggest building a very strong foundation for your company before meeting with investors.

 

 

 

 

 

4. What are some free or low cost resources that you would recommend to other women look into when pursuing a similar goal?

As I mentioned in my earlier answer, some great low cost resources include creativity, Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Periscope), YouTube, and your network/friends. Network, network, network, find creative individuals in your field that you can build long lasting relationships with and try to benefit from each other. For example, I have friends that are photographers and we will coordinate photo-shoots together for my line but if they need someone to accessorize a shoot or do some light hair and make-up for the model(s), I’m there!

 

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5. What are some of your personal inspirations or aspirations when times are rough?

When times get rough, I just have to continue reminding myself that I have to keep going and stopping is not an option. There are many things that I want to achieve and there are many personal and financial situations that I need to get myself out of so I work hard because I know that hard work will ultimately help bring that money in!

6. Where can we follow/find more information about you?

Tatiana Ilia – www.Tatianailia.com
Facebook – Tatiana Ilia
Instagram & Twitter – @_ilia – #Tatianailia

 

I would like to thank Tatiana for participating in the series. Please be sure to check out her line at www.tatianailia.com. Remember that shopping small truly makes a difference.

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See you soon!!